Moody's blues

The bourbon-swigging, relentlessly womanizing, writer's-blocked Hank Moody (David Duchovny) continues to be one of the most compelling characters on television, but on the season finale of Californication, he's trapped in a show that no longer knows what to do with him. He finally finishes the book on rock icon Lou Ashby, contemplates a move to New York, and, in a subplot that's been criminally underdeveloped, squirms as Mia (the Lolita-esque sexpot) embarks on a book tour for her (plagiarized) novel. On balance, the series has been charming, but the writers have lost the overarching narrative—a reunion with his family—that propelled the first season. Showtime recently announced the series will return next year, which is fine by us—we'll still watch. But we humbly suggest that they find a damn reason for Hank Moody's existence. That, or get him back into church (below).